For anyone who is new to knitting, the Patons Classic series of books provide instructions for multiple styles of cardigans and jumpers in multiple yarn weights for a wide range of sizes. Over the years I have used these pattern books many times especially the baby, children, and women’s sized versions. There is no need to buy expensive single-use knitting patterns,

The baby’s version includes instructions for 3, 4, 5, and 8 ply yarns for sizes 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months (so birth to two years). The styles include dropped-shoulder, set-in, and raglan sleeves. Each style has a choice of long or short sleeves. The set-in sleeve jumper includes a no-sleeve (vest) alternative. The cardigans also include high and medium buttoning alternatives. Each of these styles and variations is knitted in stocking stitch which can be directly substituted with your own favourite knitting stitch. There is also a babies birth to 6 months matinee jacket in 3 and 4 ply yarn and a high buttoning, set-in sleeves cardigan with cable patterning. Armed with a Patons Classic book, the resulting projects are endless.

It’s hard to find something productive and enjoyable to do after weeks in pandemic lock-down. I love knitting babies clothes but my grandchildren are no longer babies and I don’t have an extended family. I had nearly 200g of a particular wool left-over, too much for any stash buster projects and not enough for anything other than baby wear. I decided to stop being so sensible and do what I love the most. I chose “Patons Classic Baby Knits” book 54 design 20 on page 36. It is a set-in sleeve cardigan and I chose the high buttoning and long sleeve variations.

I ran a smidgeon short of wool right at the end but I was able to substitute a contrasting colour of the same brand for the collar and two front bands. The pattern advised that 150g was required for that size and I weighed my wool at 180g. The yarn used was Bendigo Woollen Mills “Luxury” 100% wool which is amazingly soft and thick, naturally, that means that a 200g ball will have less meterage than another brand or style. This is something to look out for when using alternative yarns, it is much more accurate to compare the meterage than the weight, especially if substituting wool for acrylic. There is a guide on page 5 of this book which in my haste I overlooked. If you are new to knitting then take the pattern to the yarn shop and ask them for their help.